Rogue Waters

Rogue Waters is a tactical roguelike strategy game set in a vibrant pirate-themed Caribbean world. Players assemble and command a customizable crew of buccaneers, engaging in challenging turn-based battles across procedurally generated islands and treacherous waters. The game combines ship-to-ship naval combat with strategic land encounters, featuring RPG progression, permadeath mechanics, and an innovative ‘undo’ system that encourages experimentation within its pirate fantasy setting.

Rogue Waters: Review

Rogue Waters, developed by Ice Code Games and published by Tripwire Interactive, is a tactical turn-based roguelite that sets sail in a pirate-themed world overrun by a terrible curse. The game tasks players with recruiting and leading a crew of pirates to grow into formidable warriors, navigating an ever-changing game world filled with mythical sea creatures and strategic combat. Released on September 30, 2024, for Windows, and later ported to various consoles, Rogue Waters offers a unique blend of roguelike mechanics and tactical depth that stands out in the crowded genre.

Development History & Context

Ice Code Games, a Polish studio known for their previous work on Hard West 2, brought their expertise in narrative-driven strategy games to Rogue Waters. The development team, led by Creative Director Przemysław Ślęzak and Art Director Sebastian Zakrzewski, aimed to create a game that combined the thrill of pirate adventures with the tactical depth of turn-based strategy games. The studio’s experience with narrative design and character development is evident in the rich storytelling and deep character progression systems in Rogue Waters.

The gaming landscape in 2024 was already saturated with roguelites, but Ice Code Games managed to carve out a niche by focusing on a pirate theme and integrating unique mechanics like ship-to-ship combat and environmental manipulation. The use of the Unity engine and Wwise sound engine allowed the developers to create a visually stunning and aurally immersive experience, despite the technological constraints of the era.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Rogue Waters tells the story of Captain Cutter, a pirate cursed with immortality and a talking gemstone embedded in his eye. The narrative is driven by Cutter’s quest for revenge against his former captain, Captain Blackbone, who betrayed him for personal gain. The story is rich with themes of betrayal, loyalty, and the supernatural, all wrapped in a swashbuckling pirate adventure.

The game’s narrative is presented through a combination of text and voice acting, with the voice actors bringing the characters to life. The writing is full of wit, humor, and a sense of adventure, although some emotional moments can feel heavy-handed. The story serves as a backdrop to the game’s core mechanics, explaining the immortality of Captain Cutter and his crew and their ultimate goal of freeing ancient sea monsters captured by Captain Blackbone.

The characters in Rogue Waters are diverse and well-developed, each with their unique abilities and playstyles. The crew members can be recruited from six unique classes, each offering distinct skills and combat styles. This diversity allows players to tailor their crew to their preferred tactics, adding depth to the gameplay and replayability.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Rogue Waters features a core gameplay loop that revolves around recruiting and upgrading a crew of pirates, navigating a procedurally generated world, and engaging in tactical combat. The game is divided into two main phases: ship-to-ship combat and boarding combat.

Ship-to-Ship Combat:
During this phase, players use their cannons to target enemy ship components, aiming to cripple their offensive capabilities before boarding. The strategic targeting of enemy cannons, crew members, or ship modules can significantly influence the outcome of the battle. Players must balance their decisions between undoing damage and making strategic moves, as enemy shots are telegraphed, allowing for proactive defense.

Boarding Combat:
Once the enemy vessel is sufficiently weakened, the action transitions to a grid-based tactical combat encounter. Players place their crew members on the enemy deck and engage in turn-based combat, using positioning and environmental hazards to their advantage. The combat system is inspired by games like XCOM, with a focus on pushing enemies and manipulating the environment to gain a tactical edge.

The game also features a unique “undo” mechanic, allowing players to take back a move they may have made by mistake. While this feature can be handy, it can also be abused, undermining the consequences of tactical choices. Additionally, the game offers 15 different levels of difficulty, with the lowest being “Story,” which prioritizes the narrative over punishing combat.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Rogue Waters is set in a vibrant and immersive pirate world, with a visual direction that captures the essence of the Caribbean and the high seas. The game’s art style is a blend of realistic and stylized elements, creating a unique and engaging aesthetic. The world is procedurally generated, ensuring that each run presents fresh challenges and secrets to discover.

The sound design in Rogue Waters is top-notch, with the Wwise sound engine delivering an immersive auditory experience. The sound effects of cannons firing, swords clashing, and the roar of the sea create a sense of immersion, while the voice acting brings the characters to life. The game’s soundtrack complements the visuals and gameplay, enhancing the overall experience.

Reception & Legacy

Rogue Waters received generally favorable reviews upon its release, with critics praising its unique blend of roguelike mechanics and tactical depth. The game’s average critic score on Metacritic is 83, with positive reviews highlighting the engaging combat, rich narrative, and immersive world-building. Players have also responded positively, with an average user score of 7.3 on Metacritic.

The game’s legacy is already evident in its influence on subsequent games and the industry as a whole. Rogue Waters has inspired other developers to explore the pirate theme and integrate unique mechanics into their roguelites. The game’s success has also paved the way for more narrative-driven strategy games, showcasing the potential of the genre.

Conclusion

Rogue Waters is a standout title in the crowded roguelite genre, offering a unique blend of tactical depth, rich narrative, and immersive world-building. The game’s development history, narrative themes, gameplay mechanics, and artistic direction all contribute to its success and lasting impact. Despite some flaws, such as the “undo” mechanic and difficulty spikes, Rogue Waters remains a compelling and engaging experience for fans of tactical strategy and pirate adventures. Its place in video game history is secure, and its influence will be felt for years to come.